As we proceed onto continuing to preview the WCC conference, next up is taking a look at the All-League talent. In years past, there have been many stars who have gone on to have legendary collegiate careers and be stars in the NBA and overseas. Let’s take a look at some of WCC’s best talent, and who is projected to make the All-WCC first team.
Augustas Marciulionis (Saint Mary’s)
Marciulionis is the former WCC player of the year, and is one of the better players in the country. With the absence of Aidan Mahaney, Marciulionis will be the focal point of the team along with Paulis Marouskas. The guard currently averages 14.5 points and 6 assists per game, and is on track to lead the Gaels to a competitive opportunity at taking home another league title.
Malik Thomas (San Francisco)
Thomas has been the star for the boys on the hilltop. Despite lots of talent on the Dons, Thomas has emerged as a scoring star, putting up 17 points per game. Thomas’s best performance was against then undefeated Loyola Chicago, where he put up 35 points and led the Dons to a win. Overall, Thomas is a top player in the conference and may lead the Dons to a league title and/or March Madness appearance.
Nate Calmese (Washington State)
Calmese has been stepping up in the absence of Cedric Coward, his duo partner, who has been out with a shoulder injury. The Junior guard has been putting up 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, essentially doing it all for the Cougars. They are winning games too, as they currently sit at 9-2 with losses to just SMU and Iowa. If Calmese continues to star, and the Cougars continue to stay hot, Calmese should be a lock to make first team all-league.
Stefan Todorovic (Pepperdine)
Todorovic is now in his second season in the WCC, after transferring from USF after last season. As a Junior, Todorovic averaged just 3.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per game as a Don. This season, he decided to go south to Pepperdine, where he has been a star to start the season. He currently averages 18.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, leading the conference in scoring. He has been consistent all season, putting up single digit points just once this season. His season high is 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 6/8 from three point land. Watch out for Todorovic to be a star, despite the Waves low expectations.
Graham Ike (Gonzaga)
Ike has been a huge piece for the Zags recently. Last season, he averaged over 16 points per game, and is putting up similar numbers so far this season. His 14.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game have been crucial for the Zags this season. If Ike is able to put on a show this season, Gonzaga will likely add to their trophy room, with another WCC title.
Michael Rataj (Oregon State)
The German-born Forward has been on fire for the Beavers this season. He has been as consistent as can be, putting up between 13 and 21 points per game every single night this season, and averages 16 points per game. He is also a great rebounder at 6’9, and grabs 8.7 per game this season. Rataj has the opportunity to be one of the best players in the conference this season, and may even lead the Beavs to a WCC Championship in their first season apart of the conference.
Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga)
The Gonzaga 6'0 guard is a must see TV. Nembhard averages just 11.4 points per game, which may not seem like all-league numbers until you see the assist numbers. Nebhard leads the nation in assists, in double digits at 10.3. He is a perfect guard to compliment Ike and the Zags, and have the opportunity to gain the reign back as league champs.
Player of the Year: Malik Thomas (San Francisco)
Thomas is the best player in the WCC. He has been a star all season, and will likely continue throughout the year. It will be a tight race, but I believe Thomas will come away with it, partially due to his great play, but also his leadership towards the Dons, who have a solid chance to take home the title this season.